Arianespace to market ISRO rocket

India: Arianespace has offered to promote Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) in the multi-billion-dollar satellite-launch market. The European firm plans to market PSLV for commercial launch of satellites as part of its partnership with the Indian space agency.

The launch of one-ton remote sensing satellites would fetch ISRO about USD 20 million to USD 40 million, while those weighing less than a ton but designed for scientific missions would bring in lesser revenues. Jean-Yves Le Gall, Chairman and CEO, Arianespace, said, “The market for hoisting remote sensing satellites is set to grow.”

Gall added, “We are working on marketing the PSLV as we are not involved in launch of smaller satellites. I am sure India will become a major player in the global market.”